The Hiace wagon and van debuted in October 1967 as a new line of cab-over-engine passenger car and commercial-use vehicle. Smaller than the Toyoace, the Hiace wagon and van featured a monocoque body and an independent front wheel suspension. The model variations included four body types: delivery van (passenger capacity: 6/3; payload capacity: 500/850 kg), wagon (passenger capacity: 9), commuter (passenger capacity: 12, 15), and truck (payload capacity: 1,000 kg; low floor; single-cab). The wheelbase of the standard body was 2,350 mm, while those for the truck and the 15-passenger commuter were 2,300 mm and 2,650 mm, respectively.

The engine was either a 1.3-liter 56 hp (Type P) or a 1.5-liter 70 hp (2R) gasoline-powered unit. The long wheelbase model was also used as a platform for ambulances. In February 1971, the 1.5-liter engine was replaced with a 1.6-liter 83 hp unit (12R). In March 1974, a high floor version and a double cab version were added to the truck line.